Smugglers Retreat Table Table in Thanet

My son and daughter in law and granddaughter booked an overnight stay and we met up in the evening for an evening meal. What a big disappointment it turned out to be.. I ordered the pate with toast. It was OK but not enough toast for the amount of pate. The Salmon I ordered was not available, so I chose the Chicken breast with cranberry topping. It came with a small sliver of chicken. Salad, coleslaw, a slice of garlic bread and cold chips. Awful meal. Definitely not enough staff. Begrudge paying for a terrible meal. Will not return

All OK but due to circumstances beyond the restaurants control the choices available were limited at that time.

We booked to eat on Boxing Day. The waitress was lovely but the food was awful. We waited an unusually long time to be served and when our roast came it was tasteless. Pale potatoes and the sprouts were so hard that we couldn’t cut them. Waitress said that the kitchen manager had gone home and the kitchen staff were not supervised. Poor show we regularly eat at TT Minster but the food was horrible

Lovely christmas meal. The staff were welcoming and warm atmosphere. Good portions sizes and well thought out tasty menu

We booked for the festive menu. Unfortunately this wasn't available due to supplier issues (we missed the phone call that they had done prior to us arriving). We accepted that the menu was limited however what was presented was really...presented. plain white plates, no garnish; Just food plonked on a plate. Didn't make the meal feel festive at all considering it was christmas eve! Service felt a little bit rushed as well.

We had a pre booked table of 18 which was made up of adults and children. Upon arrival our table was ready and we were allowed to sit. We got a round of drinks from the bar and waited for over 45 minutes for our pre ordered food. The food was bought out very slowly in dribs and drabs and by the time it had all come out, some people had finished and we were left disputing one of the kids meals. The guy serving us walked back to the kitchen with two of the plates as if to double check what he was actually serving us. The meals themselves were of standard quality no where near as hot as they could have been and all of the children’s dinners were assigned beans because we didn’t choose any sides, this is because we didn’t want any sides. After finishing our mains and asking for the table to be cleared we had a cake for the birthday party, we sang happy birthday, very badly might I add, but the waitress went to get our pre ordered desserts. We have now waited for a further 20 minutes to receive our desserts. When the deserts were bought out they continued to explain that they had no order for children’s deserts just adult ones. We showed them the email and the guy swiftly went off to collect the kids deserts which took a further 10 minutes. The restaurant in my opinion was under staffed as there were tables full of dirty plates and glasses, people standing waiting to be given a table and very slow service. We have had food many times here, with the same booking the previous year, it’s always been delivered on time without any issues and been of good quality in relation to standards and service. It is such a shame to have to leave a negative review but I really do feel that training and more staff would improve what could be a fantastic business

Came to stay at the premier next door and came here for dinner and oh my god the worst service, the worst food and waiting over an hour for starters. Chicken wings were bought out burnt, the pizza was an oven job and even the bloke working there said the food was awful! He gave us a refund. The staff at breakfast both days were so rude, no friendly greeting. Wanted to just get my toddler toast and cereal, we didn’t want to eat there as the day before the food was shocking. Was told we couldn’t have a table is we wasn’t eating as too busy. I did put up a bit of fight because I just wanted my child fed but the man was so rude. I will never ever return here

UPDATE: 5years on I think this review still stands correct. Came in for family meal of 20 table booked for 6:30, food still wasn’t with us at 8, we pre ordered 2 weeks prior but it was probably worse! Started with they didn’t have some of our puddings, no Jack Daniel’s, Meals were cold, raw chicken, another never came out, my steak was cold and then was put in the microwave. Why is this place still open but the same chain closed good restaurants like “the Promanade” in Margate. - (5 year before)Took over 1.5 hours for main course, came out cold was sent back and re-done, then a further hour for puddings. Restaurant wasn’t even busy, waiting staff lovely but definitely issues in the kitchen.

Nice little place, good selection of beers, we use this place as our local due to its location. Staff are very welcoming especially with the barman James who's always polite and professional.

Went with family to have the festive menu, but the menu was so restricted it did not have turkey on it and a number of other items. Really! Strangely enough there was turkey on the carvery. Unfortunately the food was pretty poor, watery prawn cocktail, luke warm veg, I’m afraid we won’t be going there for lunch again

I have been to the table table many times when I've stayed at the Premier Inn, and I fine the staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. A special mention to Larren, Kerri, and Leah

Absolutely awful, the food was terrible!

Wonderful, friendly service, great food, great atmosphere, Lauren is brilliant!! Thank you for another great night

Food was good, place was almost empty but service very slow. Had a Black Friday voucher for half price food. Checked before service as limited menu due to kitchen storage problems. Told it could be definately be used on steak as it wasn't a special or reduced menu. However on receipt of the bill was told it could not be used. Not happy but paid up.

lauren and anna amazing come every other week with my boy and get brilliant service love them both xx

We have been coming to table table at Minster for years. We have always had brilliant service and the staff are love. We love the Sunday roast and try and go every Sunday. A year ago I had cancer and had to have chemo therapy and radiotherapy which made me loose my hair which I was very self conscious about, the lovely staff especially Lauren would try and sit us away from everyone else as they knew I was extremely vulnerable. I can’t thank her and them enough.

Very good steak and excellent service from our waitress Kerri

Amazing friendly and great food as always

Great place to eat as usual. Excellent customer service by Kerri

We had Sunday roast here. Great food and all staff very attentive. Lauren was our server , she was cheerful and caters to our every need. A lovely place to be.

Want to say thank you to Lauren. She is always happy and friendly and looks after us well. Thank you Lauren for being fabulous.

Excellent friendly service by Anna Great food, served quickly, will return.

Tired decorating, needs refurbishment now and has done for some time, very helpful and pleasant staff and friendly, but otherwise local pubs are better.

Lauren, goes above and beyond! Absolutely darling

Waitress Lauren was exceptional. Made us feel welcome the moment we walked in until we left. Brilliant sense of humour and very friendly

Our waitress Lauren was fantastic as always

Came in for an evening meal, staying in the hotel for a few days. I ordered 2 cocktails and Haddock with garden peas. Was cooked to perfection, kerri was my waitress and was very attentive, made my experience, will definitely be back

Kerri was great. Made sure we had everything we needed.

Kerri is an amazing waitress, always remembers my allergy, is always happy and attentive to all guests. Good food and good service, we are always happy coming here for food :)

Served by Kerri who was very friendly and accommodating making sure we were ok and had everything we needed during our meal. Would definitely come again food was good value and very nice

great pub/restaurant, great atmosphere and bar staff, especially molly, always service with a smile. highly recommend

We eat here regularly for Sunday carvery roast served by Lauren who is always very friendly and helpful

Friendly staff, main course ok nothing special. Had to send it back at the start as some of the vegetables were lukewarm. Dessert very nice. No soap in the Gents which is not good.

Good food , great atmosphere, lovely stuff

Terrific staff with Lauren and Anna who regularly serve us our meals. Thank you👌

We have been to Smugglers Retreat on many occasions and always find the staff very friendly and helpful. Lauren in particular is great.

Just had a lovely Sunday lunch in the Toby, and just want to say the service and food are first class, also want to say a special mention to Lauren, who is always so very polite, and always so helpful, will definitely be back, and will recommend table table to friends and family.

The food we had was great and the service we received from our waitress Lauren as always was excellent. She is very polite and extremely friendly and made our evening very enjoyable.

Great service from Lauren and Anna and a lovely Carvery

Ronnie is just amazing. Been coming for breakfast here for some time. Always served with a smile and felt welcomed everytime I entered

We have visited the Smugglers retreat many times over the years. It is such great value as a family with the children eating free and we always have a lovely breakfast with so many different options. It is better on a weekday when breakfast is served freshly cooked at your table but the weekend buffet is still better than most! The service is never less than 5* especially from Jo and Ronnie! They always go out of their way to speak to the children, make sure we have everything we need and we never wait for long. It is the first place the kids want to go to if they have the chance to eat out (and the first place I head for with friends as a treat on those sacred child free mornings!). Can't beat it for value or good food!

£10.99 ..Ordered 3 runny poached eggs , beans and mushrooms and tomatoe, Had to ask for orange juice to be filled and took 35 mins to be served. Judge yourself from the photo's. I'd have sent it back but waiting another 35 nins no thanks, Sorry.....

Went here for the first time with my partner in crime, and we ate from the lunchtime menu. The food was absolutely lovely...It tasted home made and was thoroughly delicious. The staff are very welcoming and friendly, A massive thank you to Kerry and Anna, for making it a memorable afternoon.

Another great meal with a friendly atmosphere.

The staff are excellent and work extremely hard whilst smiling and trying to keep customers happy. From ordering drink it took 25 minutes to arrive. Each time we have been to this restaurant the staff have been working to excess we are always told they are trying to recruit but it never seems to happen. Something must be wrong for staff weather it be bad pay or bad conditions it needs sorting. This is not acceptable service on a continuing basis. Last time I placed a review I was informed the staff level was being sorted that was 2 or 3monhs ago. I say again the two waitresses that were there were excellent and working beyond normal.

Chloe and Anna are brilliant such a good service from them both could not do enough for us and made us feel soooo welcome

Been here working away . Also have meal deals . What a great place with lovely staff all week round . Massive thank you to Kerri . Lauren and Anna . Such lovely girls very helpful indeed .also james as well all good staff amazing . Thanks again to you all . Will 100% recommend to friend's & family . All the best .

One of the nicer table tables as nicely decorated and feels like a restaurant rather than a pub or canteen. Great value lunchtime offers.

Very nice meal, but the poor waitresses were literally run off their feet, two of them dealing with the whole restaurant but they had a smile on their faces and were very professional under extremely difficult circumstances, I take my hat off to you.

We had a lovely meal here on Sunday. Anna served us and she was brilliant. We had the carvery and she told us what meat was running low to help us with our decision. Will be coming back, highly recommend!

The Best experience yet of a TT restaurant, Kerri our waitress was amazing. It always helps when whomever is serving u is this clued up. Thank u Kerri

The smothered chicken is to die for plus the service people like chloe and anna are amazing would go again

No roast dinner as chef was off, that was the only reason we had booked a table as it was our anniversary .They did not notify us before hand so we could of gone somewhere else. Coffee machine was broken they only had instant coffee. Dinner was over cooked and dried up.

No food on a Monday &Tuesday unbelievable when you done a long day's work 😡

Do not stay at this premier inn. Restaurant closed half of the week due to whitbread selling places off and shutting things down. Coffee machine broken and fruit in breakfast options tasting off. Avoid. And check your other hotel bookings as these pub shut downs are coming across the board

Me and my partner were served by Molly this evening, she was very polite and had great customer service. All workers had a great attitude to work and made our experience the best it could be. Thank you!

No hot food being served, went elsewhere for dinner to arrive back at 8.30pm to entire bar being closed due to no customers, a group of 40-50 people for a large family get together wanting to spend a few hours together with drinks. Highly dissatisfied and customer service absolutely shocking. Manager wasn’t interested and just wanted to lock up and go home.

Didn't have a nice e experience. They Could of just been having an off day Maybe not. Give the place 3 chances always seems to be one rude person on.

Ordered the sirloin steak expecting it to be edible how wrong I was Even with a steak knife I had trouble cutting through it Mostly gristle couldn't chew through it so ended up leaving a good half of it I won't be returning again!

Had a fantastic night celebrating a special birthday. The restaurant manager gave fantastic customer service and was great as he joined in well with our banter. Very nice place to go. Didn't have coconut syrup for my drink but it was what it was. My food was good 👍 Thanks for a great evening

Nicely priced, but disappointed that the "12 to 6 o'clock" carvery was finished at 3pm

Thank you James and staff for an excellent meal and hospitality . Will definitely spread the word.

Waited an hour for service to order the food, and it was warm when it arrived. The dessert was hotter than the dinner .Carvery had run out at 2.30 pm just after we arrived.

My parents often visit this restaurant and are treated like family. The lady who serves them greets them like they are old friends. Our server asked my mum about her recent surgery and genuinely seemed to care about them, it's lovely to see. Lauren is an absolute asset to the restaurant. The food (Sunday roast) is always delicious, the food well cooked and hot and the service, even when they're really busy, is quick and personal.

We're had a meal at smugglers retreat on Thursday 22nd August. We were served by 3 amazing people which all had a hand in our experience at table table, chlore james and Sue were all helpful and kind with our order and very professional they all should be honored for their hard work thankyou to them all.

Can't review it because I can't even get in. Been there 3 times in the last few months and every time there is a sign in the door saying we're closed because of staffing issues. Me and my gf have decided to just not ever go back as it's a waste of time

Really enjoyed it here tonight. Had a 3 course meal and servers went above and beyond. Only came across the restaurant by chance so a nice surprise and hopefully get to visit again.

Fabulous meal out at table table! Again, fantastic, faultless service from Anna...thanks for a brilliant meal. Can't wait to return.

Crossents we're burnt Limited food kept running out otherwise very good value for money no hot chocolate

We were served today by Lauren, who was amazing! She gave service with a warm smile despite the restaurant seeming short staffed and busy. Her excellent customer service made our experience all the more enjoyable.

Whilst the food looked good it was all lukewarm, had asked for 3 starters but only received (and charged) 2. One of the mains looked like it should have been on the kids menu portion wise compared to the others. The staff seemed nice enough although service was slow and the wait time between receiving the starters and mains were excessive. Maybe the hiring sign at the door would be the reason for this, who knows

Very busy but still extremely good!

Ample parking area, large dining facilities with tables evenly spaced, clean,tidy facilities, staff relaxed and friendly, pretty good menu with variety of choices, food served hot and ample for your needs, nice dessert section.

Staff friendly and helpful, food not bad at all, good beers on tap

Great friendly welcoming staff and great food & drink, had the beer battered disc and chips and my wife had the scampi, from start to finish service was great. Would definitely recommend.

So we came about 4pm on Sunday. I asked if I can order carvery as menu says they serving it till 6pm. But I got negative answer even though I saw staff eating it afterwards. Staff wasn't friendly we was waiting to be seated but no one came to as us even though they saw us standing there and they wasn't busy just talking between each other. Restaurant was quite empty but fish and chips took more then 35 min to make.

Booked table. Kept waiting for at least 5 minutes to be seated. Then waited and waited for order to be taken for drinks so I went to bar to order myself. Eventually food ordered taken and that took ages to arrive. When it arrived it was barely warm. Very disappointing not the staffs fault it was just not enough staff.

Would be better if they organised the food better as the kept running out of food and you had to wait

Had a great steak with friendly service

The food is nice pub style usually pretty consistent and hot, since Table Table in Herne Bay has closed this place will and has got a lot busier. Henceforth they need to put on way more staff for busy weekend times. Sad to see waiting staff rushed off their feat and lots people waiting ages for food/drinks/menus etc. so much potential…..management need to react faster to demand and staff more effectively….

Food loverly steak s evern more .so i had 2 x steaks same night A+++++++

Delicious Sunday roast. Great menu and hardworking friendly staff. Lauren is efficient, warm and delightful. Good value for money. Highly recommended. Pudding menu is a real treat.

Food is ok and very cheap waitress was very nice and efficient the atmosphere was a bit lacking because not many patrons when we ate but the place has a pleasant vibe.

Always value for money on a deal

Best food ever the staff are very respectful and even in stressful situations they do their best congratulations to them and the good is just amazing

Lovely place, I come here alot with my family and friends and always happy with the service, I will happily come here again verry recommended.

Lauren and Tina doing an amazing job, keeping the customers happy and the areas well stocked and tidy. Friendly calm atmosphere. Kitchen staff doing a great job keeping the food rolling and cooked to perfection.

Went to this restaurant as a family for dinner. If you think it’s like the Brewers Fare in Margate think again!! Flat drinks, no fish at 6pm on a Friday! Advertise Lemon Gin & Schweppes Light Lemonade then tell you that don’t serve Light Lemonade?? Rude staff , one doesn’t know what the other one is doing!! We would not return here & actually didn’t eat here at the time, left and went to another restaurant in Broadstairs, what a difference.

Good food great atmosphere. Friendly staff.

Generally the service was excellent but food arrived and a little cooler than expected. You were never going to scald yourself with it, it felt that had been standing a while before we received it

We were created in a lovely friendly manner by Lauren she showed us to our table. The food was lovely but the service by Lauren and Kerry was exceptional.

Pretty poor I'm afraid to say. We used to love coming here with our kids but over the years it's deteriorated. On our latest visit tonight, the wait was too long for drinks, then when the food arrived the bun on my daughters burger was stone cold like it had just been pulled out of the freezer. We asked for it to be replaced, but it came back still cold on one side, and wet! How!? Her coleslaw (that's mentioned as a main part of the meal) looked like it was a teaspoon full scraped out of a bag and thrown on the plate. Chips were luke warm on hers and my meals too. And why did I only have a tablespoon of peas? My other daughter had veg sticks with her kids meal that were incredibly dry and dirty looking so couldn't eat them. No care or pride taken over the food at all! We also had a dirty service tray and stand sitting next to us the whole time (that I had to move) and food all over the floor from the previous guests. So when getting up and down we had to dodge the mess. A real shame after deciding to take the kids out as a last minute treat. The waitress did take the burger off the bill after mentioning the issues, but doesn't make up for poor food and general messy experience. Luckily I had a code for discount, but still not worth the money paid as we all left disappointed. Also heard the table next to us asking for hot chips once theirs turned up too. So the issues were consistent. Not sure the kitchen staff knew how to cook anything. Sorry to say that I think that's the last time we'll visit.

Dirty outside waited ages for food then when it came it was not good asked if I wanted yo change the food I said why would I if you can't get it right first time im not waiting even longer for rubbish food won't be back

Food very tasty, yet service strangely chaotic. There seemed to be no one person responsible for any one table with front of house staff chopping and changing between all (nearby) tables during our visit. Our drink orders were somehow forgotten twice, provided shortly after each following a gentle/polite nudge. The staff all seemed very friendly, but there's got to be a more efficient use of their time. TableTable was also unexpectedly closed during one of my two most recent visits. Probably won't rush back, overall wasn't bad but a little bemusing at times.

Got there grills not working ,,what a waste of time,,,,thought would give a second chance so decided to visit again this. Week ,,, well not. Much better , service was ok , nice and prompt, ordered steak rare ,,, the steak was more well done than rare and the fries etc with it were Luke warm , can't even blame it on being really busy as it was not 😭 definitely won't give it another chance

Kitchen staff were off sick, no food after 18:30 😳 Had a coffee... staff member was miserable 🙄

Really great experience. Service very good. Meal very Filling and tasteful. Recommend to anyone.

Good food, well presented. Pleasant, friendly staff, good service.

For a chain restaurant of this type, we found it much better than average. We arrived late in the evening, visiting the area for a less than happy occasion, and we had nice food and welcoming service, all of which fitted the bill perfectly for us.

Visited the Smugglers Retreat for the very first time. Under New Management. Chris gave us a very warm welcome. Was pleasantly surprised to find a great carvery. Food menu extensive and greatly priced. During weekdays, there are great offers displayed. Something for all the family. Friendly service, food well presented, and good portion size. Only one bitter on offer. Which is disappointing 😞 plenty of lagers and other beverages on offer at reasonable prices. Would highly recommend 👌 this establishment, and I look forward to revisiting when in the area.